Tang, n. [Probably fr. OD. tanger sharp, tart, literally, pinching; akin to E. tongs. √59. See Tong.] 1. A strong or offensive taste; especially, a taste of something extraneous to the thing itself; as, wine or cider has a tang of the cask.
2. Fig.: A sharp, specific flavor or tinge. Cf. Tang a twang.
Such proceedings had a strong tang of tyranny. Fuller.
A cant of philosophism, and a tang of party politics. Jeffrey.
3. [Probably of Scand. origin; cf. Icel. tangi a projecting point; akin to E. tongs. See Tongs.] A projecting part of an object by means of which it is secured to a handle, or to some other part; anything resembling a tongue in form or position. Specifically: —
(a) The part of a knife, fork, file, or other small instrument, which is inserted into the handle.
(b) The projecting part of the breech of a musket barrel, by which the barrel is secured to the stock.
(c) The part of a sword blade to which the handle is fastened.
(d) The tongue of a buckle.